Cannabis Use Disorder:
Symptoms, Side Effects and Treatment
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by a problematic pattern of cannabis use that causes significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. Despite increasing legalization and changing social attitudes toward marijuana, CUD remains a serious health concern affecting millions of Americans.
According to recent estimates, approximately 5.8% of people (about 16.3 million individuals) aged 12 and older in the United States experienced cannabis use disorder in the past year. At Northwoods Haven, we recognize that cannabis addiction is a real and treatable condition that requires compassionate, evidence-based care.
What Is Cannabis Use Disorder?
Cannabis Use Disorder exists on a spectrum of severity ranging from mild to severe. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines CUD as meeting at least two of eleven specific criteria within a 12-month period. These criteria include taking cannabis in larger amounts or for longer than intended, unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control cannabis use, and spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from cannabis.
Other important indicators include experiencing strong cravings, failing to fulfill major obligations due to cannabis use, continuing use despite persistent social or relationship problems, and giving up important activities because of cannabis use. Using cannabis in physically hazardous situations, continuing use despite physical or psychological problems, developing tolerance, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using cannabis are also key diagnostic factors.
It’s important to understand that cannabis use disorder is not simply a matter of choice or willpower. It involves significant changes to brain function and structure that make quitting difficult without proper support.
Development of Cannabis Use Disorder
The transition from casual cannabis use to problematic use often occurs gradually and may be difficult to recognize. Regular use of cannabis frequently leads to tolerance, where increasingly higher doses are required to achieve the desired effect.
While cannabis does not cause the same level of physical dependence as substances like alcohol or opioids, psychological dependence can develop, resulting in withdrawal symptoms upon dose reduction or discontinuation.
Risk Factors
Various biological, psychological, and environmental factors contribute to an increased risk of developing cannabis use disorder.
- Genetic predisposition: Family history of substance use disorders increases risk, with genetic factors accounting for approximately 40-60% of the vulnerability
- Psychiatric comorbidities: Individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other psychiatric disorders are at elevated risk
- Age of first use: Beginning cannabis use before age 18 increases the risk four to seven times compared to adult-onset use
- Frequency and potency: Regular use of high-potency cannabis (high THC content) significantly increases the likelihood of developing cannabis use disorder
- Environmental factors: Easy access to cannabis, social norms that encourage use, and high-stress environments can contribute to problematic use
It’s important to understand the difference between cannabis use and cannabis use disorder. While many people use cannabis without developing a disorder, approximately 9% of cannabis users will develop cannabis use disorder. This risk increases to about 17% for those who begin use during adolescence, highlighting the vulnerability of the developing brain to cannabis’s effects.
Cannabis Addiction Symptoms
Physical symptoms:
- Bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils
- Increased appetite and food cravings
- Dry mouth and persistent thirst
- Impaired coordination and slowed reaction time
- Chronic cough or respiratory issues
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
Psychological symptoms:
- Difficulty concentrating and impaired memory
- Decreased motivation and persistent apathy
- Anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks
- Mood swings and irritability
- Distorted perceptions and thinking
- Diminished interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Depression, especially during withdrawal periods
Behavioral symptoms:
- Secretive behavior to hide cannabis use
- Neglecting responsibilities at work or school
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Sudden changes in mood and behavior
- Using cannabis in risky situations (like driving)
- Failed attempts to cut down or control use
- Less attention to physical appearance
Health Consequences of Cannabis Use Disorder
Short-term Effects
Acute effects of cannabis use typically begin within minutes of smoking or vaping and can last several hours. The individual may experience euphoria, relaxation, and altered sensory perception, accompanied by increased heart rate and bloodshot eyes. These immediate effects stem from THC binding to cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain and body.
Short-term cognitive impairments include difficulty with attention, concentration, and working memory. Decision-making abilities and judgment become compromised, making activities like driving particularly dangerous. According to research, cannabis use more than doubles the risk of being involved in a car accident when driving under the influence.
Psychological reactions vary significantly between individuals. While many experience pleasant sensations, others may develop acute anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks—especially when using high-potency cannabis products. In rare cases, some users may experience temporary psychotic symptoms including hallucinations and delusions, which typically resolve as the drug’s effects wear off.
Cannabis also affects coordination and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. These motor impairments, combined with cognitive effects, explain why cannabis use is associated with workplace accidents, falls, and other unintentional injuries.
Long-term Effects
Chronic cannabis use can lead to persistent changes in brain function and structure. Regular, heavy use is associated with reduced activity in brain regions involved in memory, attention, and executive function. These effects are particularly pronounced in individuals who began using cannabis during adolescence, when the brain is still developing critical neural pathways.
Respiratory health issues are common among those who smoke cannabis. Chronic bronchitis symptoms—including persistent cough, excess phlegm production, and wheezing—often develop due to airway inflammation. While the relationship between cannabis smoking and lung cancer remains less definitive than with tobacco, the inhalation of combustion products still poses significant risks to lung health.
Mental health consequences represent some of the most concerning long-term effects. Regular cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders and depression. For individuals with genetic vulnerability to psychotic disorders, cannabis use—particularly high-potency products—can trigger the onset of conditions like schizophrenia or worsen existing symptoms. Studies suggest that daily use of high-potency cannabis increases the risk of psychosis by nearly five times.
The development of cannabis use disorder itself represents a significant health consequence, affecting approximately 9% of all cannabis users and about 17% of those who begin use during adolescence. This condition is characterized by compulsive use despite negative consequences, unsuccessful attempts to quit, and the emergence of withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.
Cognitive effects can persist even after extended periods of abstinence. Research indicates that heavy cannabis use during adolescence may be associated with an average IQ decline of up to 8 points by mid-adulthood, which may not be fully reversible even after stopping use. These cognitive effects can significantly impact educational outcomes, career trajectory, and overall quality of life.
Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome
The cannabis withdrawal syndrome, while less severe than withdrawal from substances like alcohol or opioids, can still be quite challenging. Symptoms typically include irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, decreased appetite, restlessness, depressed mood, and physical discomforts such as headaches and stomach pain. These symptoms can persist for up to two weeks and often lead to relapse as individuals resume cannabis use to alleviate discomfort.
For pregnant women, cannabis use is associated with reduced birth weight, premature birth, and potential developmental issues in children. While research in this area continues to evolve, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women avoid cannabis use entirely.
Understanding these short and long-term effects is crucial for making informed decisions about cannabis use and recognizing when recreational use has developed into a disorder requiring professional intervention.
Cannabis Addiction Treatment
Psychotherapeutic Interventions:
Additional treatment options
Cannabis use disorder is a real and treatable condition affecting millions of Americans. As cannabis becomes more widely available, understanding its potential for addiction becomes increasingly important for public health.
The progression from recreational to problematic use often happens gradually, making it difficult to recognize when casual use has developed into dependence. The symptoms reflect genuine neurobiological changes that make quitting challenging without proper support.
While cannabis may carry different risks than substances like opioids or alcohol, its potential impacts on cognitive function, mental health, and quality of life should not be underestimated, particularly for vulnerable populations like adolescents.
Effective treatment options include behavioral therapies, family-based approaches, and peer support. The most successful treatment plans address not only the substance use itself but also underlying factors that may contribute to addiction.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with cannabis use, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength. With appropriate intervention and commitment to change, recovery from cannabis use disorder is not only possible but can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
If You Would Rather Us Contact You Fill Your Info Below